1. A good differential diagnosis can be supported by clinical data or evidence obtained during the interview and MSE. This also means that you should not mention a diagnosis that can't be supported by any relevant information.
2. A good differential diagnosis should include only those disorders that specifically pertain to the patient being interviewed. Don't mention a disorder that pertains to another patient or an imaginary patient. In addition, don't create a long list of differrentials to guarantee that you won't miss anything.
3. A good differential diagnosis includes a major diagnosis and other clinical considerations or rule outs. Always be mindful that some patients can have two to four major diagnoses (for instance: MDD, alcohol dependence, and PTSD).
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